U.S. patent application number 14/516698 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-21 for cooling towel and method of using the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is OccuNomix International LLC. Invention is credited to Jennifer McCoy.
Application Number | 20160108565 14/516698 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55748583 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160108565 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCoy; Jennifer |
April 21, 2016 |
COOLING TOWEL AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME
Abstract
A cooling apparatus is disclosed, and comprises a body and a
cloth section. The body is formed of a flexible and absorbent
polymer material, and is configured to absorb fluid at a first
rate. The cloth section is disposed in direct contact with the
body, and is configured to absorb fluid at a second rate that is
greater than the first rate.
Inventors: |
McCoy; Jennifer; (Lake
Grove, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OccuNomix International LLC |
Port Jefferson Station |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55748583 |
Appl. No.: |
14/516698 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
428/85 ; 112/440;
428/212 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 5/22 20130101; B32B
27/12 20130101; B32B 2437/00 20130101; B32B 2262/0276 20130101;
B32B 5/06 20130101; B32B 27/18 20130101; B32B 7/02 20130101; B32B
2262/0223 20130101; B32B 5/08 20130101; B32B 27/306 20130101; B32B
2262/14 20130101; B32B 2262/0261 20130101; B32B 2262/062 20130101;
B32B 2307/7166 20130101; A47K 10/02 20130101; B32B 5/024 20130101;
B32B 5/26 20130101; B32B 7/05 20190101; B32B 2262/0253
20130101 |
International
Class: |
D03D 27/08 20060101
D03D027/08; B32B 7/08 20060101 B32B007/08; A47K 10/02 20060101
A47K010/02 |
Claims
1. A cooling apparatus, comprising: a body formed of a flexible and
absorbent polymer material, the body configured to absorb fluid at
a first rate; and a cloth section disposed in direct contact with
the body, the cloth section configured to absorb fluid at a second
rate that is greater than the first rate.
2. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the absorbent polymer
material is a hydrogel.
3. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the absorbent polymer
material is at least partially water-soluble.
4. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the absorbent polymer
material is polyvinyl alcohol.
5. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the absorbent polymer
material comprises a blend of absorbent fibers.
6. The cooling apparatus of claim 5, wherein the blend of absorbent
fibers includes polyvinyl alcohol and at least one other absorbent
fiber.
7. The cooling apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one other
absorbent fiber is selected from the group consisting of: acetate,
polyester, nylon, polypropylene, and polyethylene.
8. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body of the
cooling apparatus is formed of a plurality of polymer chains that
are configured to cross-link in the presence of fluid.
9. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body of the
cooling apparatus is configured to absorb a quantity of fluid
greater than ten times than a weight of the body of the cooling
apparatus.
10. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cloth section
includes cotton.
11. The cooling apparatus of claim 10, wherein the cloth section
includes a woven base upon which one or more cotton fibers are
looped.
12. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cloth section is
formed of terry cloth.
13. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body of the
cooling apparatus has a planar configuration.
14. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body of the
cooling apparatus has a rectangular configuration.
15. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body of the
cooling apparatus defines a pair of opposed end sections, the cloth
section is disposed in direct contact with one of the opposed end
sections and another cloth section in direct contact with the other
of the opposed end sections.
16. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cloth section is
stitched to the body.
17. The cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body of the
cooling apparatus has a length between 27 and 29 inches.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention is directed to an apparatus for
facilitating the transfer of heat from a user and/or a surrounding
environment to provide cooling to a user, and in embodiments, to a
wearable apparatus for providing cooling, drying, and/or otherwise
providing comfort for a user.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cooling apparatuses are configured to provide cooling by
facilitating heat transfer from a target object and/or surrounding
environment, such as a user's body, articles of clothing worn by
the user, and/or surrounding air. Cooling apparatuses may be used
to provide relief to users operating in heated and/or humid
environments, for example, construction workers, soldiers, police,
firefighters, or any other individuals who may need to operate in
hot and/or humid environments and/or who may become overheated in
the course of their work.
[0003] During the course of such activities in which cooling
apparatuses are used, users may perspire, i.e., sweat, as his or
her body attempts to release heat to the surrounding environment.
Thus, in many situations, the occurrence of overheating and
perspiration are concomitant.
SUMMARY
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus for cooling relief to a user by facilitating heat
transfer from the body of the user while additionally providing one
or more surfaces for comfortable and absorbent engagement with
perspiration on body portions of the user.
[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, a cooling apparatus comprises a
body and a cloth section. The body is formed of a flexible and
absorbent polymer material, and is configured to absorb fluid at a
first rate. The cloth section is disposed in direct contact with
the body, and is configured to absorb fluid at a second rate that
is greater than the first rate.
[0006] In exemplary embodiments, the absorbent polymer material is
a hydrogel.
[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the absorbent polymer material is
at least partially water-soluble.
[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the absorbent polymer material is
polyvinyl alcohol.
[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the absorbent polymer material
comprises a blend of absorbent fibers.
[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the blend of absorbent fibers
includes polyvinyl alcohol and at least one other absorbent
fiber.
[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the at least one other absorbent
fiber is selected from the group consisting of: acetate, polyester,
nylon, polypropylene, and polyethylene.
[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the body of the cooling apparatus
is formed of a plurality of polymer chains that are configured to
cross-link in the presence of fluid.
[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the body of the cooling apparatus
is configured to absorb a quantity of fluid greater than ten times
than a weight of the body of the cooling apparatus.
[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the cloth section includes
cotton.
[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the cloth section includes a woven
base upon which one or more cotton fibers are looped.
[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the cloth section is formed of
terry cloth.
[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the body of the cooling apparatus
has a planar configuration.
[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the body of the cooling apparatus
has a rectangular configuration.
[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the body of the cooling apparatus
defines a pair of opposed end sections, the cloth section is
disposed in direct contact with one of the opposed end sections and
another cloth section in direct contact with the other of the
opposed end sections.
[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the cloth section is stitched to
the body.
[0021] In exemplary embodiments, the body of the cooling apparatus
has a length between 27 and 29 inches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The features and advantages of the present invention will be
more fully understood with reference to the following detailed
description of illustrative embodiments of the present invention
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures,
wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a cooling apparatus
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the cooling apparatus
of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 3A is a first sequential view of the cooling apparatus
of FIG. 1 being exposed to fluid;
[0026] FIG. 3B is a second sequential view of the cooling apparatus
of FIG. 1 being exposed to fluid, shown along section line 3-3;
[0027] FIG. 3C is a third sequential view of the cooling apparatus
of FIG. 1 being exposed to fluid, shown along section line 3-3;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cooling apparatus of
FIG. 1 being worn around a body portion of a user;
[0029] FIG. 5A is a first sequential view of the cooling apparatus
of FIG. 1 with a quantity of fluid being absorbed from one portion
of the cooling apparatus by another portion of the cooling
apparatus; and
[0030] FIG. 5B is a second sequential view of the cooling apparatus
of FIG. 1 with a quantity of fluid being absorbed from one portion
of the cooling apparatus by another portion of the cooling
apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes
only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the
description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the
words "may" and "can" are used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning
having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e.,
meaning must). Similarly, the words "include," "including," and
"includes" mean including but not limited to. To facilitate
understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where
possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.
[0032] Turning to FIG. 1, a top perspective view of a cooling
apparatus is generally designated as 100. Cooling apparatus 100 is
formed of a body 110 and defines a pair of end sections 112 along
terminal portions of the body 110. A pair of cloth sections 120 are
disposed the end sections 112 along an upper surface of the body
110, as shown. While the body 110 of cooling apparatus 100 is
illustrated as having a generally rectangular, planar
configuration, body 110 may in embodiments have any of a number of
desired shapes and/or configurations, for example, circular,
ovular, or square, to name a few, with end sections defined along
different respective portions thereof.
[0033] Body 110 of cooling apparatus 100 has a generally flexible
configuration so that the body 110 can be, for example, folded,
curved, and/or twisted depending on a desired use. Further, body
110 is formed of a material that is configured to readily absorb
fluids upon contact, e.g., body 110 is formed of a material that
includes a series of pores within which fluids such as water or
sweat readily migrate and/or the material is configured to bond
with fluids upon contact. Accordingly, body 110 may be formed of
one or more flexible and absorbent materials, for example,
polymeric material such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). In embodiments,
body 110 may be formed of a material that is at least partially
water-soluble. In embodiments, body 110 may be formed of a blend of
materials, for example, a plurality of PVA fibers with a matrix of
other absorbent fibers, for example, acetate, polyester, nylon,
polypropylene, and/or polyethylene, to name a few.
[0034] With continued reference to FIG. 1, cloth sections 120 are
overlaid and in direct contact with end sections 112 of the body
110. Cloth sections 120 may have a softened and/or luxurious feel,
and are configured for comfortable engagement with a lightly
covered or exposed portions of a user's body, such as a user's
skin. Cloth sections 120 may have a more textured surface than the
body 110 of cooling apparatus 100, for example, which may have a
smooth and or minimally-featured outer surface. Accordingly, cloth
sections 120 may include bristles or fibers that extend therefrom
and that move upon frictional and/or interfering engagement with
another object such as a portion of a body of a user. In
embodiments, cloth sections 120 may be formed of a cotton material
such as terry cloth, in which numerous cotton fibers are repeatedly
looped along an interwoven base structure to provide both high
fluid absorption capability as well as a luxurious sensation upon
contact with a user's skin.
[0035] Cloth sections 120 may be attached to an outer surface of
the body 110 of cooling apparatus 100 by fastening through
stitching such that a seam 122 extends along an outer periphery of
the cloth sections 120, as shown. In embodiments, cloth sections
120 may be attached to an outer surface of the body 110 through
other types of joining, for example, adhesives, buttons or snaps,
to name a few. In embodiments, cloth sections 120 may be removable
from the body 110 of cooling apparatus 100.
[0036] With additional reference to FIG. 2, an underside portion of
body 110 may be devoid of cloth sections 120 such that an
orientation of the cooling apparatus 100 can easily be determined,
e.g., by quickly identifying an upper-facing side and a
lower-facing side. In this regard, cooling apparatus 100 may
suggest a body-facing side and an outward-facing surface by the
location of cloth sections 120. While body 110 has been illustrated
having a pair of cloth sections 120 formed along opposing end
sections 112 of a planar side of body 110, it will be understood
that, in embodiments, cooling apparatus 100 may have any desirable
number and/or arrangement of cloth sections 120 on one or multiple
exposed surfaces.
[0037] Turning now to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, use and operation of
cooling apparatus 100 will be described in detail.
[0038] FIG. 3A illustrates a quantity of fluid F being brought into
contact with cooling apparatus 100. While fluid F is shown being a
liquid poured onto cooling apparatus 100, it will be understood
that fluid F may include liquids and/or gases, and that a variety
of methods of bringing fluid F into contact with apparatus 100 may
be used, for example, steaming or other vapor deposition, dipping,
soaking, and/or spraying, to name a few.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 3B and 3C, a cross-section of the body
110 of cooling apparatus 100 is shown along line 3-3 (FIG. 3A). As
fluid F is brought into contact with the body 110 of cooling
apparatus 100, body 110 contacts and draws fluid F into the
interior of body 110, for example, through hydrogen bonding of
portions of the body 110 with fluid F. In embodiments, body 110 may
define a plurality of pores therein configured to accommodate
quantities of fluid F. The body 110 of cooling apparatus 100 may
develop a gel-like feel due to cross-linking of constituent polymer
chains in the presence of fluid F.
[0040] In this regard, the body 110 of cooling apparatus 100 may be
configured to absorb a quantity of fluid F in excess of the weight
of body 110. In embodiments, body 110 of cooling apparatus may be
configured to absorb a quantity of fluid F in excess of ten times
the weight of body 110, for example, 11 times the weight of body
110, 12 times the weight of body 110, or 13 times the weight of
body 110, to name a few.
[0041] As the fluid retention capacity of body 110 may be greater
than desired by a user, e.g., body 110 may absorb and retain fluid
F of a quantity sufficient to saturate body 110 with fluid F such
that body 110 becomes excessively weighted and/or wet to the touch,
a user may optionally eject fluid F from the cooling apparatus by
exerting a compressive force on one or more portions of body 110,
e.g., by wringing or squeezing the cooling apparatus 100. In
embodiments, a user may desire to reduce the volume of fluid
retained by body 110 such that additional fluid retention capacity
is available to absorb further quantities of fluid.
[0042] It will be understood that fluid F may be selectively
applied solely to the body 110 of cooling apparatus 100, or may be
applied to both the cloth sections 120 and the body 110 of cooling
apparatus 100, as described further herein.
[0043] Turning to FIG. 4, a user U is shown with cooling apparatus
100 disposed around a portion of his or her body. In the exemplary
embodiment shown, user U has folded and draped the cooling
apparatus 100 about his or her neck N such that the end sections
112 of the body 110 are positioned to rest upon the user's
shoulders, clavicles, and/or chest, as shown.
[0044] Cooling apparatus 100, as shown, has a length sufficient
that user U may move, e.g., reposition, end sections 112 of the
body 110 containing cloth sections 120 without substantially
altering the positioning of the main portion of the body 110
disposed about his or her neck N. In embodiments, body 110 may have
a length greater than 24 inches, for example, 25 inches, 26 inches,
27 inches, 28 inches, 29 inches, or 30 inches, to name a few. In
this regard, the user U is afforded a degree of freedom to move
and/or manipulate the sections of body 110 containing cloth
sections 120 without disengaging the cooling apparatus 100 from his
or her neck N. Accordingly, the cloth sections 120 may be used for
one or more additional purposes while the substantial remainder of
the cooling apparatus 100 remains in contact with and cools the
body of the user U.
[0045] Accordingly, user U may engage either or both of the cloth
sections 120 with another portion of his or her body, for example,
a portion of his or her head. Because cloth sections 120 may have a
softened and/or luxurious feel, cloth sections 120 may be used to
wipe, dab, and/or blot portions of the body of user U that are
covered in fluids F (FIG. 3A). In embodiments, cloth sections 120
may be used to contact portions of the body of user U that are
covered with fluids generated by the user's body, such as
perspiration P, as shown.
[0046] Cloth sections 120, like body 110 of cooling apparatus 100,
are configured to absorb fluid F, which may include perspiration P,
for example, by drawing in and retaining fluid F within pores
formed along fibers extending from the cloth sections 120 and/or
through hydrogen bonds formed between portions of body 110 and
fluid F. However, cloth sections 120 may have a lower fluid
retention capacity, e.g., become saturated with fluid more readily
and/or have a higher evaporation point, than the body 110 of
cooling apparatus 100 such that the cloth sections 120 release
fluids via evaporation more slowly than body 110. Accordingly, it
would be desirable for cooling apparatus 100 to facilitate the
quick and efficient removal of fluids F, such as perspiration P,
from cloth sections 120, e.g., so that cloth sections 120 can be
continually used and/or to avoid discomfort to a user due to
deposition of fluid F retained in the cloth sections 120 on the
body of user U.
[0047] Turning to FIG. 5A, cooling apparatus 100 is again shown in
cross-section along the line 3-3 (FIG. 3A). Cloth sections 120, as
shown, have absorbed a quantity of fluid F as perspiration P (FIG.
4) from the body of a user U, or from other sources, such as fluids
absorbed by body 110 of cooling apparatus 100 during preparation of
the cooling apparatus 100 for use. While the body 110 of cooling
apparatus 100 is shown substantially devoid of fluid F, it will be
understood that body 110 of cooling apparatus 100 may retain a
quantity of fluid F while absorbing additional fluids F from cloth
sections 120 as described above.
[0048] With reference to FIG. 5B, the absorptive capabilities of
the body 110 of cooling apparatus 100 may be greater than those of
cloth sections 120 such that fluids F, which may include
perspiration P and/or other fluids, are readily drawn from the
cloth sections 120 into the body 110. In this regard, cloth
sections 120 are configured to lose fluids F such as P or other
fluids to a surrounding environment at a rate greater than that
afforded by their independent capacity for evaporative drying due
to their contact with the body 110 of cooling apparatus 100.
[0049] As such, the absorption of perspiration P or other fluids
from the cloth sections 120 by the body 110 of cooling apparatus
100 affords the body 110 an additional and/or alternative source of
fluids via which the body of user U can release heat through
evaporative cooling. Further, due to the greater rate of absorption
of fluid F of the body 110 of cooling apparatus 100 as compared to
cloth sections 120, body 110 may continuously draw fluid F from
cloth sections 120 such that cloth sections 120 are devoid of or
minimally retain fluid F in quantities such that a user U may
repeatedly contact cloth sections 120 with his or her body without
a substantial loss in comfort and/or absorbency as compared to an
original, unwetted condition of cloth sections 120.
[0050] While this invention has been described in conjunction with
the embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of
the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative,
not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *